Summer reading program kicks off at Douglas County Public Library

"READiscover Nevada" is the theme for the summer reading program sponsored by the Douglas County Public Library.

All ages may sign up for the reading program, which runs June through September and includes a Read-To-Me program for preschoolers. Older brothers and sisters may get credit for reading to their younger siblings. Weekly drawings will be held for donated prizes.

A special event of the summer will be a Chautauqua presentation of "Sarah Winnemucca: As Long as the Grass Shall Grow," by Alexandra Voorhees, veteran chautauquan. Many of Winnemucca's experiences are recounted in her book, "Life Among the Paiutes." The program will be in Minden Park at 6 p.m. June 21. Families are welcome to bring a picnic.

Other scheduled events, all scheduled at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays include:

June 28 - Tahoe Tessie visits the library, plus local author Alora Knight will read her story about the Tahoe bears, Tola and Tara.

July 5 - Nevada ranching with Betty Cordes, the many uses of cows and their by-products.

July 12 - Desert Tortoise Day, features live tortoises wandering the library grounds for hands-on experience.

July 19 - Kids Day, what is was like for children to live in Nevada 100 years ago. Linda Butterbredt from Nevada State Parks will present toys and games from long ago and make real lemonade from lemons.

July 26 - The Pony Express.

Aug. 2 - Origami with Dennis Little, who will share his love of the fascinating hobby of Japanese paper folding.

Aug. 9 - Ice cream party, for all participants in the summer reading program and their families. Make homemade ice cream in a can, you bring the toppings. Registration required, limited to 75 children.

Storytime is offered each Wednesday at 10 a.m. for all children ages 3 and up. Storytime is 45 minutes of stories, poems and activities related to the day's theme. Children off-track are welcome.

Call 782-9841.